Black Cats eye Norwich

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce knows his side dare not lose their next match against relegation rivals Norwich City at Carrow Road.

Sunderland were a goal down to the Foxes on Sunday but had a chance to equalise when substitute Jack Rodwell should have levelled with eight minutes remaining, but missed the target, and Jamie Vardy pounced for the second time in the game deep into stoppage time.

Black Cats boss Allardyce was once again left to bemoan the lack of a cutting edge which has cost his side dearly in recent weeks and next weekend’s trip to Norwich could prove pivotal in their fight against the drop.

Allardyce told reporters: “Don’t lose at Norwich, don’t lose – they are seven points clear if we lose with five games to go. It still wouldn’t be mathematically certain, but it starts heaping too much pressure on.

“We’ll try to win, but make sure you don’t lose because don’t forget, we have still got a game in hand.”